Katharina Rhomberg: a key talent shaping the future of austrian show jumping

At 32, Katharina Rhomberg has become a steady and influential presence in Austrian show jumping. A rider with quiet determination and clear focus, she has been instrumental in Austria’s growing strength on the international stage.

Earlier this season, Horseshowjumping.tv sat down with her to talk about her path to the top, her horses, and her role within a nation that is steadily gaining recognition in elite-level competition.

Her momentum continued recently with a podium finish in the CSI5* Grand Prix of St. Gallen, where she placed third.

Early roots in the saddle

Katharina’s introduction to the sport began almost as soon as she could walk. Raised in western Austria in a family where riding was part of daily life, her path was shaped early by her surroundings.

“Both my parents and grandparents were riders, so horses were just always there,” she says. “My siblings rode too, so I spent a lot of time watching them at the stable. It was only natural that I wanted to ride as well.”

Her first mount was a family pony that passed from sibling to sibling—hard to ride but invaluable in the lessons it taught.

“He stopped a lot, to be honest,” she laughs. “But he was a great teacher. That pony helped all of us learn patience and perseverance.”

After progressing to her first horse, she continued to ride alongside school, eventually pursuing university studies as well—an intentional decision to keep options open.

“I always knew I wanted to ride professionally, but I also wanted to have something else to fall back on. Once I finished studying, I made the full switch to focus on riding.”

Finding her own path

Katharina’s rise through the sport wasn’t instant. The transition from national to international classes came with its challenges, especially as she moved into the higher levels.

“The step from 1.40m to 1.50m took time,” she admits. “I had a lot of rounds that didn’t go well and moments where I really questioned if I could do it.”

It was during these years that she began to understand the importance of mindset—of keeping long-term goals in view even when results were slow to come.

“In the beginning, I focused too much on results. A bad round would shake my confidence and motivation. But I learned to focus more on the process—how to build up the horses, how to grow step by step.”

That shift in perspective helped her develop not only as a competitor, but as a horsewoman. She also credits the importance of building strong partnerships with the horses she’s brought up herself.

“Some horses you connect with right away, others take time. You have to be patient. Sometimes that means doing small classes until the horse is really ready to move up.”

Cuma 5: a defining partnership

One of the most important partnerships of Katharina’s career has been with Cuma 5, a gelding who has been central to many of her firsts on the international stage.

“We bought him when he was eight. I was actually hesitant—he was the most expensive horse we had ever looked at, and I wasn’t sure it was the right decision.”

It turned out to be a defining moment. Encouraged by her sponsor to take the chance, she began what would become a long and successful relationship.

“He had such a big heart. Even when I wasn’t perfect, he just kept jumping. At first, he was strong and difficult to manage, but now he’s the easiest horse I ride. We know each other so well.”

With Cuma 5, she’s achieved milestones including her first 5 Nations Cup*, her first European and World Championships, and her first Grand Prix win.

“I had so many ‘firsts’ with him—he really brought me to the top level.”

Building momentum for Austria

While Austria is not traditionally known as a powerhouse in show jumping, that image is changing—and riders like Rhomberg are a big part of that shift.

“Austria is a small country and we don’t have a huge number of top riders. But in recent years, the depth of our team has really improved.”

She speaks with pride about the country’s growing presence on the global stage, thanks in part to committed owners, stronger horses, and increased opportunities to compete as a team.

“The Nations Cups are especially meaningful. When you’re riding for your country, the feeling is different. You know people at home are watching and supporting you. It brings something extra.”

The aim now, she says, is not just to qualify for major events—but to become a regular fixture at them.

“We want it to be consistent. Not just one surprise appearance at a championship, but to be part of the conversation every year.”

Learning through challenges

At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Katharina brought Colestus Cambridge, a talented young horse who was the youngest in the entire Olympic field.

“He’s a great horse and we knew he had the quality, but of course it was a big step for him,” she says. “Being the youngest horse there made the experience even more challenging—but also really meaningful.”

Though the first round didn’t go as planned, she saw steady progress and growth.Despite the disappointment, she saw the experience as an important step.

“The second round was already better. It was tough, but I learned a lot from it—and so did the horse. These kinds of moments shape you.”

Staying grounded in a competitive sport

Katharina also reflects on the nature of the sport, especially as a female rider navigating the pressure and expectations of high-level show jumping.

“One thing I’ve learned is not to compare myself too much—to other riders, to men, or even to other women. Everyone has their own path.”

She believes emotional sensitivity, often seen as a challenge, can also be a strength when working with horses.

“Yes, maybe women are more sensitive at times. But that can help us connect better with the horses. In the end, the sport is hard for everyone. It’s really about how you deal with the challenges.”

Looking ahead

With her sights set on another Olympic appearance and new horses coming up the ranks, Katharina Rhomberg is focused on consistency and progress—both for herself and for Team Austria.

“My goal is to be more present at the top level year after year. I’d love to represent Austria at the Olympics again—and this time, make it to the final.”

There’s no question she has the work ethic, the experience, and the horsepower to get there.

Ph Stefano Secchi

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